Editor’s note: This column was continued from the June 17 edition of the Columbia Basin Herald

We had about 100 in our class of 1976. I wondered how many people would show up. I hoped that this would include the person who delivered that horrible news to me some 43 years ago. He may or may not have been the one who actually put that drug in my lunch; however, he was the only in-the-flesh representative that I associated with the past trauma.

There were two scheduled gatherings. One was on Friday night and the other began at noon on Saturday. I planned on attending both, to spend as much time as I could at each, and to talk to as many people as I could.

I discovered that my person of interest was there. I took time to be with him. During our conversations, I mentioned a little bit about our history, and that I wanted to put the past behind us. I had hoped for an apology, but did not expect it.

In the end, no apology was given. However, seeing him in the flesh, talking and sharing with him was helpful. It was quite evident that each of us had grown and we were not the same people we were in the 70’s – far from it.

It was then that I made a conscious decision to move on. There would not be complete closure for me. An apology would have done that. Nevertheless, I forgave him. It wasn’t spoken, but I did so.

I was able to make the choice to begin to relearn by turning my thinking in a different direction. At that time, for the first time in so many years, I began to have a sense of peace.

No longer would I allow him to dwell in my thoughts while I paid his rent. He didn’t want to be in that prison. I was blessed that I could finally unlock his cage to release him.

As Christians we are to forgive. However, many times this is much easier said than done. I didn’t wish to become a bitter old man. I want no regrets. I want no unfinished business.

Do not allow emotional baggage of the past to consume you and rob you of the present. Life on earth is too short for this. Wrestle with God to discover a path to release some or all of it – turn and be willing to relearn.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 25 years.